Which bath is better: cast iron or acrylic?

Cast iron or acrylic? Metal or plastic? If you ignore the modest range of steel baths, then plumbing users are divided exactly into two camps in their preferences - supporters of traditions (cast iron) and connoisseurs of new (acrylic). As luck would have it, each product has its own distinct advantages, and therefore, buyers every time are tormented by doubts when choosing in the store! Taking the full set of user characteristics as a basis, we will risk an impartial analysis and still answer the question "Which bath is better: cast iron or acrylic."

How to choose a bath

Most articles list the merits of various products in a businesslike and dry manner and give categorical advice based on technical parameters. But it is better to do it differently - to see what exactly is important for the users of the baths themselves and, based on real opinions, voice recommendations on the type and material of the product. What are people looking for when choosing a plumber?

See the basic requirements!

• Comfort to use. ("Better cast iron - it is warmer»).
• Colour. ("Acrylic bath ordered by the color of the tile»).
• Price. ("Unfortunately, there was not enough money for fashionable and expensive acrylic, so we bought high-quality cast iron»).
• Quality. ("In good cast-iron baths, the enamel strength is such that axes fell during repair, and no trace»).
• Ease of care. ("With acrylic savings will be - no need to buy bathroom cleaners. All the deposits are simply washed off with water.»).
• Easy installation. ("Cast iron bath husband put himself without problems»).
• Convenience delivery. ("Acrylic easily raised to our fifth floor»).
• Dimensions and design. ("The only plus acrylic bath is the size.»).

Opinions were divided equally - and there is still no clarity, which bathroom is better: acrylic or cast-iron. So, it is worth assessing the objectivity of user statements!

Quality material - durable bath

The main requirements for plumbing - long-term comfortable use without loss of operational and aesthetic qualities. If you evaluate the baths in this perspective, then the leaders will most likely be cast iron. After all, its main characteristics include:

• Service life - up to 40-50 years;
• Good heat capacity - the water cools slowly, about a degree in 10-15 minutes;
• High strength - the material is not deformed, is not damaged and practically does not wear out.

The “weak link” of cast iron baths is considered, but it is worth clarifying that in quality products from well-known manufacturers, there are almost no problems with enamel. Only after many years of service can there be a slight abrasion and loss of luster, but by that time they will probably just want to upgrade the bath.

Concerning acrylic, then its characteristics for the same indicators are as follows:

• Service life is about 20 years;
• The heat capacity is slightly higher than cast iron - cooling down by one degree Celsius takes about half an hour.
• Poor impact resistance, compensated by simple repairs;

Also very important when choosing an acrylic bath look at the kind of used reinforcementwhich is made either on the basis of fiberglass or polyurethane composite. The first option is not only dangerous because of excess vapor used in the production of styrene, but also has a tendency to the formation of microcracks with subsequent destruction of the material. This type of defect in acrylic baths can not be restored. With a polyurethane composite there are no such problems, and the bath serves for many years without any signs of wear.

Pricewhich is determined primarily by quality, the "competitors" are not very different:

• Cast iron - 8-20 thousand rubles and above;
• Acryl - 9-25 thousand rubles and above.

Also, when discussing the materials, it is worth noting some other points that are laid at the production stage:

• Dimensions;
• The form;
• Colour.

According to these indicators cast iron definitely loses, as it comes standard rectangular shape in white color. Have acrylicDue to the excellent plasticity of the material, there are almost no restrictions on the shape and size. In addition, the plastic is easily painted in the mass, that is, the color palette for the bath is very wide.

Summarizing the characteristics of materials and their cost, taking into account all user parameters in this group, it can be noted that acrylic is superior to cast iron design at a similar price and with a slight lag in technical data.

Delivery and installation

Absolute leadershipon these items acrylic. Low weight reduces delivery difficulties, and a well-thought-out frame installation system is easy to implement, even in the absence of special skills. Cast iron with its 120 kg of weight is poorly transportable and difficult to lift. These shortcomings, as it turns out, are very important for users.

Installation of acrylic bath is carried out according to one of two schemes:

• on the frame-frame with legs;
• on a brick base.

A third method that combines both technologies is also possible. Regardless of the method of installation, you should take care of the mounting hooks or guides mounted in the wall. This approach will allow to stabilize the shape of the bath, that is, to avoid its deformation and damage during use.

Monolithic cast iron is easier to install, as it does not require any wiring diagrams and additional conditions. Users only need to put heavy plumbing in the bathroom and connect the siphon according to the instructions.

For each type of plumbing provided professional installation secrets:

1. Outer surface cast iron bath It is recommended to cover with silver paint. This will help reduce heat transfer, which means that the water will stay warm longer.
2. When installing acrylic after all the manipulations, it is worthwhile to carry out two more important things: insulate the joint of the bath and the wall with sealant, and after drying it close the seam with adhesive plumbing tape. This will provide even greater structural rigidity, which is very important for acrylic plumbing.

Daily care and use

A very interesting question in terms of choosing between two types of baths! The fact is that the opinions of users and manufacturers about how to care for acrylic bathdiverge:

• The first believe that it is enough to rinse the plumbing with water and wipe with a soapy sponge;
• The second insist on the acquisition of special funds for the care of acrylic coatings.

Because of this contradiction, there are disputes on forums and in stores whether it is expensive to care for an acrylic bath or not. Of course, the correct answer is the one that manufacturers advise. Because water, no matter how ideal it is, still leaves a coating on acrylic, causing its gradual yellowing and loss of presentability. Unfortunately, acrylic care products do not belong to budget solutions, so financial costs will be higher than cleaning pastes and gels for cast iron.

Cast iron bath with good quality, the enamel is no more difficult to clean plastic plumbing. Dirt and plaque are washed away instantly, and the limitations on the means are practically absent. The only thing you should not buy is drugs with a high content of acids. Corrosive environment damages the structure of the coating, causing its porosity and gradual destruction.

Continuing the comparison of materials, we can summarize - to care for high-quality cast iron is easier and cheaper than for acrylic.

Which bath is better?

Based on the requirements of users and the real characteristics of cast iron and acrylic, it is safe to say that The advantages of plastic are much more than those of cast iron.

When conditionally the same value and similar technical parameters acrylic:

• Does not create problems with transportation and rise;
• Just mounted;
• Sold in different colors and design forms;
• Easily repaired with damage and chips;
• Quickly cleaned;
• Keeps water temperature for a long time.

Also worth noting is the important fact of comfortable use of acrylic baths. Plastic is always a warm material, therefore, having decided to take a shower, you do not have to stand with your feet on the cold surface of the metal or wait for the time until the water heats the coating. Such discomfort can not be avoided if a bath of iron is installed.

Fans of tradition, you can, of course, remain faithful to the cumbersome and heavy plumbing, but at the next repair, still think: maybe you should look at something more modern and not less quality than a cast-iron bath ?!

And finally, the video from the experts of the companies Cersanit and Villeroy & Boch - useful tips on choosing the perfect bathroom: